Pneumatic mechanism for handling sheets



May 15, 1928.

P. A. GoLLNlcK ET AL PNEUMATIC MECHANSM FOR HANDLING SHEETS 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Cot. v. 192e Wmv May 15,- 1928.

P. A. GOLLNICK ET AL PNEUMATIC MECHANISM FOR HANDLING SHEETS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. '7. l926 www@ 6 3 4 T./ 5 t U M, m www n. Z sq.. .m e Q 1. .m MU d .n v S 9 6 Filed Oct. 7. 1926 P. A. GOLLNICK ET AL PNEUMATIC MECHANISM FOR HANDLING SHEETS i mw m wim m, w. ,/lm M M .w 5 W i@ www xma Mw m5 mmm WM\ LWW |HW\ Mw u Amm M am W M OO

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Patented May 15, 1928.

UNITED OFFICE.

rAL n. eoLLNrcx Ann JOHN rn'roonAin or carolien, I LL'rnOIs, AssIGNons rro i SPIEGEL, MAY, STERN co., OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A 'coRronA'roN or ILLINOIS.

mammie macminer; son aanname essere.

Application ined October 7, 1926.

The main objects of this invention yare to provide an improved pneumatic mechanism for handling sheet material; to provide a sheet handling mechanism having an iin proved vacuum controlled support for the sheets; to provide a sheet Support of this kind which Vis movable to feed the sheets' Vstep by step; to provide improved means for breaking the vacuum in a section of said support to permit the removal therefrom of a certain unit of the sheet independently of other units; to provide improved pneumatically controlled means for removing the units 4from the support; to provide removing means of this kind whereby air under pressure is applied to the section of 'the support in which the vacuum has beenl broken for forcing ythe unit from the support vvhile suction is lapplied to the opposite face of the unit; to provide improved valve means for controlling the vacuum and pressure in said mechanism; and to provide a sheet handling mechanisni-'oftliis kind which is 'Particulaily 'adapted forapplying tissue patches to l5 Ypaste/board frames, as in the making of stencils.

An illustrative embodiment of this inven tion ifs shown in the accompanying dr'avvings, Whereinc- Figure 1 is a vertical section of part of a stencil making machine to which this invention is applied. j

Fig. 2 is a plan of the same, partly broken away.

Fig. 3 is an enlargeddetail in section of the suction device which lifts the sheets from the supporting tables.

Fig. 4 is a transverse section, taken on the line 4:-4 o'f Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged transverse section, taken on the line 5;-5 ofv Fig. l, and vshovving the valve mechanism which controls the vacuum and pressure areas'of the slieetsupports. v l

Fig. 6 is a horizontal section taken on the line 6 6 of Fig. 5.

Figs. 7 8, 9v and l() are enlarged details in section showing the different relative positions of the sheet support and its reciprocating valve.

serial No. 140,180.

Fig. 11 is a transverse section, taken on foi-*use in many different types of machines' and for handling various kinds of -articles but, as herein illustrated, the invention is applied to a stencil making machine for handling the tissue patches. lnasmuch as ythis invention relates to the sheet handling mechanism, certain parts ofthe machine not relating thereto `and believed to loe unnecessa-ry to a complete understanding of the inventionhave been omitted from the drawing. l

ln the specific form :herein shown, the improvedsheet handling mechanism comprises -a 4pair of horizontal tables having foraminous supporting surfaces for the sheets. The tables move -step-by-step in 'one direction for feeding the sheets edgeWise to a suitable cutting mechanism, not shown, which cuts -each sheet into Aunits or patches of proper size for attachment t'o the stencil frame. The sheets are held on the tables by vacuum. An improved val've'mechanism is arranged to break thevacuum at the area which supports the severed patch independently of the other areas solas to permitjthe patch to be sepa rated from the table. Air under pressure applied to one face of the patch and supplemented by an improved suction device applied to the `opposite face thereof forces the severed patch into engagement with the glued surface of the stencil frame. Improved valve `means is provided for rendering the pneumatic mechanism of each table inoperative "during the return movement of theftable.

The movements of the tables are properly timed so that, when one table reaches the limit of its forward movement, the second table will have started vforward to supply a patch to the next stencil frame Without interrupting the operation of the machine.

In the embodiment shown, the improved sheet handling mechanism is applied to a stencil making machine comprising al frame l on which is mounted a pair of spaced rails Q forming a .guideway for supporting and guiding stencil frames 3 which are fied .to as maar position.

through the machine to be operated upon by the various mechanisms. i v In the specific form shown, the improved sheet handling mechanism includes a pair of` horizontal supporting members or tables `4 adapted to support sheets 5 Whichare acted upon by an improved pneumatic mechanism including vacuum and pressure mea-ns associated with the tables and suctionlifting devices 6.

In the construction hereinillustratechtwo tables of identical construction are used. The tables are arranged in substantially parallel spaced relation and are slidably mounted on rails extending transversely across the frame 1,1as shown inlFig.`2.. y `Each of the tables comprises a bed 8 havfing a rack 9 on its lower vface meshing with gears 10 and 11 which are arranged to move the table step-by-step in one direction for feedingthe sheet `edge/Wise toward the stencil blanks 3 and also for returning the table y Formedin the top face of the table bed 8, is a plurality of `transversel)f`1 disposed independent pockets 12;` Extending longitudinallythrough the bed 8, is a vacuum chamber 13 which com-p` municates with the pockets 12 through ports .14. Secured to the upper face of the bed 8, is a flat toraminous plate 15 which supports the sheets. Orifices 16 in the plate 15 communicate with the pockets 12 and arearranged in areas which are independent of one another and which are oit thesame contour as the sheet units to be handled. In

stencil making machines, `Where rectangular tissue patches are used, the orificesof the supporting plate are arranged in rectangular formas shown in Fig. 2. The sheet 1s rheld on the Jr'oraminous plate 15by` the vacuum` in the chamber 13 and independent `pockets 12.

Extending through the rear` end of: `the vacuum chamber 13 of `each table." is a pair 'of telescoping conduits 1.7 and 18'. The inner conduit `l'projects' beyondthe outer conduit `and serves as the suction conduit "for exhausting the air from the `vacuum chamber, In order. to permita' single patch ofvalves 20 and 21 controllingcommunication between the pockets 12 and a pressure chamber 22. y

"Thevalves 19. 2O and21 and the conduits 17 and 18 reciprocate-as a unit and for this purpose. the conduits are mounted at their rear ends in fittings 23 which are provided With pins 24 slidably mounted in a bearing 25 at the rear of the frame 1. throughvthe fittings 23, is a rod 26 which is supported by a pair of `arms 27 pivotally secured to the frame 1 at 28.

fittings 23 are moved'against the action of the spring 29` byl acarnA 30 Which coacts with a roller 31 carried by a link 32 secured to the rod 26.` f

The rearward movement of the fittings 23 is synchronized with the step-by-step movement `of the table, so that the valves` 19. 20

and 21 move With the table in one direction, `when the table advances one step to feed the sheet. During the return stroke "of the conf duits 17 and 18, the table remains stationary. Figure 7` illustrates the initial position `of Extending The rod 26 and fittings 23 are normally urged rearwardly by a spring 29 acting betweentherod andthe `rear end of the :trame 1,. The rod 26 i and the valves. In this position.' the entire .sheet is subjected to the suctionin the pockets 12. When the valve unit advances. the vacuum in the pocket below the endof theshcet is broken and air under pressure is admitted for forcing the patch away-from thetable.:

`Connected to each of" the fittings 23, and

communicating Withithe conduits 17 and'18` respectively isa suction `conduit 33leading y toexhaust'means 34 anda pressure conduit 35 leading `to an air pump or othersuitable source The conduits 33 and 35 or portions thereof are flexible so as to V'permit movement of the fittings 23. During the advancing movement of each table, therelated conduits 33 and 35 are open and, during thereturn stroke theseconduits areclosed by proved valve mechanisms 36 and `37 Which are connected together so as to be controlled b va singlecam 38 fixed on a `driven shaft 39.

In the form shown, `I1`i,fures"5 and 6, the

valve mechanism 36 comprises `a block 40.

having a chamber 41 communicatingwith the exhaust `,means lbrtending*through the block, is a pair of independent passages 412 vadapted to communicate-With the chamber 11 through ports 43. One of the passages 42cr`unmunicates Withfthe suction conduit 33 of one of the tables and the other passage 42 communicates with the conduit l33 of the other table. `The ports 43 `are controlled by a pair of valvestt Which are arranged soias to open or close communication `between the chamber 41` and either one or the other conduit Eachfof the valves 44 comprises a sliding element 45 having ay passage 46 which is shiftable into and out of position to provide communication' through the ports 43,' The element 45 has a pin Which-extends into a socket 48 of a bellcrank lever 49 which is pivotally secured to a pin 50 supported `in a bracket 51. The sliding elements 45 are yieldingly urged .ISU

` menue against the block 4.6 :by 4springs .52'seated in the sockets 48. Acting between the bellcra-.nk lcv-ers 49, is a `.spring:531 which nor ymally urges the valve .elements 45 .toward :each other.

communication between the lcylinder andthe' chambers 56 and 58 respectively. Communication between the ports 60 and 61 is-controlled bya valve l62 arranged inthe cylinder 59. Mounted on the `valve 62, is ay stem 63. which is connected to the related bell-crank lever 49, whereby the valve `62 is operated in `unison with the valve 44. Vith this improved valve mechanism. during the return stroke of each 'table 4, the related conduitsr 33and ,35 are closed while the 'correspondingcon duits oftheother table, which is simultaneouslyadvancing step-by-step, are. open, so that the related chamber 13 is subjected to suction for holding the Vsheet 5 and the chamber 22 is subjected to air undery pressure for assisting the -suction device -6 i-n removing the `rend unit er patch. One suctionl lifting de vice is used for each-table.

In the form shown, each of the suction devices 6 comprises an upright -suction tube`64y which is axially shiftablein Va bracket 65 `mounted `on the frame 1. Formed in the `tube 64, is a port 66 adapted to register with a passage 67 in the bracket 65 to .pro-vide vcommunication between the tube 64 and an exhaust conduit 68. Mounted on the `lower end of the tube 64, is a pad or nozzle 69 adapted to engage' the endunit of the sheet 5 for lifting it from the table. The tube 64 is located directly above the path of the stencil frames 3 and the nozzle 69 is shaped so as -to be able to readily pass throu `h the central opening otv the stencil frame uring the reciprocationof the 'suction tube.. The tube 64 and nozzle 6,9 move downwardly to pick up the stencil blank and then move upwardly to deposit the blank on lthe gluedun der surface of: the stencil frame. When the nozzle occupies `its lowermost` position, the port 66 registers with the passage 67 to subject the tube 64 to suction. When the nozzle moves upwardly a suiiicient distance to deposit the patch on the stencil frame, the port 66 is closed and the tube 64 is restored to atmospheric pressure by the admission of air through ports 70 and? 1 formed in the tube 64 and bracket 65 respectively.

'The upper ends of the tubes 64 are closed and are rigidly :secured .to collars 72, which vare islidable en pins 73 fixed ena-reciprocate ing member 74. The member 74 is adapted yto lbe continuously reciprocated` by a lever 75' p'ivoted on an arm 76 of the bracket 65.

"One end oi5 the lever 75 is pivoted to the member 74 and the other endthereofcoacts with ya rotary cam 77 fixed on a driven yshaft 78. During the forward step-by-step move-l ment of each table,the related suction tube 64 reciprocates with the member 74 for lifting the successive sheet units from the table.

During the return stroke of the table, the rclated tubef64 isl automatically disconnected from the reciprocating member 74 and locked in its uppermosty position while the other ytube 64 is simultaneously connected to the reciprocating member. vThe means for connecting the tubes 64 with the reciprocating member-74 comprises a pair of latches 79 pivoted to the collars 72 `and Shiftable into and out of locking engagement with pins 8() on the member 74. The latches 79 are actuated by links 81 connected rto cranks 82 4fixed actuated by a cam 84 through the medium of' cam vrollers 85 mounted on bellcrank levers 86 connected to links 87 which are fas tened to cranks 88 of the rock shafts. camv 84 is preferably mounted on the shaft 39, which also drives the Vcam 38.

To hold the tube 64 in its uppermost position after the latch 7 9 has been disengaged from the pinv 80, a stop pin 89 is mounted on the bracket 65 in position to engage the lowery end ofthe latch.

In operation, aA sheet lof tissue is placed on the table 4 when it occupies its initial position of rest at the front 'side of the machine. rPhe valve mechanism 436 then operates to open communication between the `table and the exhaust means and air supply. While The 7 `on rock shafts 83. TheA rock shafts 83 are u the sheet is held on the table by the suction in the chamber 13, the table moves forwardly step-bystep to feed the sheet edgewise to a cutter, not shown, which cuts a unit or patch from the advanced end of the sheet.

which is directly below the patch. Atthis time, the nozzle '69 of the suction lifter 6 is in contact with the upper tace of the patch.

l ffhen the valine unit reachesthe position shown in Fig. 8, air under pressure is forced from the chamber 22 into the pocket 12 di-` rectlyy below the severed patch so as to force l tbe valve 19 moves inwardlyy so as to break the vacuum at the area which supports the 'severed patch, by cutting off communication -between the chamber 13 and the pocket 12 When the y During each brici'period of rest of the table,

f Although but one specific this invention has been herein shown and valve 21 passes the port 14, air under pressure again through the pocket 12 to assist in lifting the patch intoengageinent `vvith the stencil frame 3. VVl'ien the .nozzle G9 `reaches its uppermost position, the tube 64 is restored to atmospheric pressure toV release the patch. c Y, i

When tlietable 4 reaches the limit of its i forward iiiovein'ent, the related suction tube starts to advance. c

described.,` it will be understood that immerous` details `of the construction slioivn may be altered or omitted Without departing from the spirit of this invention as defined i by the following claims.

vVile claim:

face for supporting sheets,y a vacuum chamber communicatingwith the orifices .of said surface, and a single valve controlling said surface independently of other areas communicating with said chamber.

2. A. device of the class described comprising a member having a foraininous surface for supporting sheets, the oriiices of c said surface being arranged in definite face .for supporting sheets, a vacuum chain# i bei adaptedto communicate simultaneouslyy areas, a vacuum chamber Within said member and communicating with the orifices, and valve. `means Within said chamber and` arranged "to break the vacuum ata Certain i ai'eaof said supporting ly of other areas.

VA` device of the class described comprising a member having a foraminous sure with all of the orifices of said surface, said member aiidcliamber being movable to` feed the sheets edgeivise, and a valve controlling said communicationand arranged to break the vacuum` at acertain area of said supporting surface independentlyT n of other arc-as communicating lWith said chamber.`

V4. A device of the class-described comprising a member having a foraminous surface for supporting sheets, avacuum cham-` ber communicating with the orifices of said Y, v'surface, said member and `chamber being,"

iiufivable in one direction to feed the sheets edgeivise, and a valve controllingf said coiiiiiiiiuicatioii and arranged to break the vacu i um at a certain advanced area of said sup-v i'iorting surface independently of other areas `te the rear thereof. f i

W'lien one Atable reaches the limit ofy its forward y movement, the second table embodiment of' surface independentl `commiinication and arrangedto break the y vacuum at a certain area of said supporting surface independently of other `areas 'coin- -iiiunicating vvith said chamber to permitan individual unit of the sheet to be lifted from said surface `independently ofother units.

6. A` device of the i class described coinprisiiig armember having a foraminous surfaceforsupporting` sheets, a vacuum chain` ,ber communicating Jwith the orifices of said surface, valve `means controlling said comiiinn'ication and arranged to break the vacu-` umat .a certain area of said supporting-surtace `in("ilependently ofother areas, and means for applying airunder pressure to saidcer` tain area.

7 1A i device of the class described` co1n bei' communicatingwith: the orifices of said with said chamber, avalve adapted `to lclose communication between said exhaust jconcommunication and arranged to break the vacuum at a certain area of said supporting.

SUA device of the"classlldescribedvcomprising a member liavingda` foramiiious surface for supporting sheets, a` vacuum chain-i bei' adapted to communicate simultaneously with fall of theyorifices `of said surface, :an

exhaust conduit communicating with said chamber, and a single valve controlling com- `munication `between said yexhaust conduit and a certain part` of said chamber, said valve being alsoadapted to control commu` nication between said certain partofthe chamber and a, certain area of said foraminous surface. l w c i i 9. A device ofthe class described comprisiiigja member havingaiforaininous surface for supporting sheets, a vacuum chamber face, an exhaust. conduit communicating `vvith said chamber, avalve controlling cominunication between said exhaust conduit and avcertain part .of saidchamber, means for applying air under pressure to said certainpart, and an element on said valve ar- ,prising a .inemb'er'having a foraininous surf ,face forsupporting sheets,a vacuum chamsurface, an exhaust conduit communicating c "cominunicatingwith the orifices of said sur- Y ranged to control communication",between i said certain part ofthe chamber `and a certainarea ofsaidforaminous surface. i y

10. A device of the class described` com'- prising a member having a. foraminous sur` face for supporting sheets, a vacuum chamber adapted to communicate simultaneously vvithl all `oftheforifices of said surface, av plurality of "independent pockets providing communication between .said ,chamber and mmm i y the'orices in independent areas ofv said surface, and a single valve adaptedy to control communication between said vacuum chamber and any one of said pockets. i

11.77A device of the class described comprising a memberhaving a foraminous surface for supporting sheets,. a vacuum chambei',l a plurality of independent pockets providingicommunication between said cham? ber andthe orifices in independent areasof said surface, an exhaust conduit communicating with said chamber, a valve controlling communication between said exhaust conduit anda certain part of said chamber, means vfor applying kair under pressure to,k said certain part, andan elementuonsaid valve controlling communication between. said certain: part and one yof said pockets.,

12. A `deviceiof :the Yclass described comprisingn a member having a. substantially horizontal foraminous surface for supporting sheets, said member being movable stepby-step one. direction for feeding' the sheets edgewise, a vacuum chamber Within. said membery below said foraminous surface, said member having a plurality of independentk pockets providing communication between said chamber and. the orifice in independent areas of said surface,. an exhaust conduit communicating `with said chamber, a valve controllingcommunication between said exhaust conduit and `a certain part of said chamber,` means for applying ai-r under pressure to said certain part,v andan elementV on said valve: controlling communication getween said certain part and one of said pockets. f

13. A device of the class described comprising a member having a foraminous sur-4 face for supporting sheets, a vacuum chamber communicating with the orifices of said? surface, al pair for conduits located vin said chamber and arranged one within the otheig chamber through. the. .inner of said' conduits,

and. :a valve: .controlling communication between `saide inner conduit' and fa part' of said chamber, thel outer conduit 'being-adapted yto supply air under pressure to: said certain- '14. A .device of the class described' comprisinga member having 'a foraminous surface for supporting sheets, a vacuum chamber' communicating with the orifices of said surface, and valve means controlling saidv prising a member having a foraminous sur-- face for supporting sbeets,'a vacuum chambelga plurality of independent pockets prof to be. controlled by said; valve A device of the vclass described comprising' a rmember' having a forammous sur-y face for.supportingv sheets, a vacuum cham-- ber,.a plurality of independent pockets-pro k.viding communication between said lchamber andthe orifices in. independent areas of said' surface7 land a valve adapted to control comy mnnication between said vacuum chamber and any one off said pockets, said member being.l movable step-by-step in onef direction to feed the sheets edgewise-and to bring-different .pockets' successively into position. lfor control by said valve.

I7. A device of the class described comprising a-"n-ieinber having a foraminous surface `rfor supporting sheets,4 a Vacuum cham-y ber, aplurahty of independent pockets pro-` viding communication between said cham-v ber and the orifices in independent. areas of said surface, a valve conta-olling.communi-` cation between said chamber and any one of said pockets,` and means Lfor applying air underr pressure to said one pocket, saidl member being movable in onedirectionfor` feeding th'esheetsy edgewise, said valve being movable in the opposite direction relative to saidcmember for controlling coniimunication betweenthe air supply and said one pocket. y 18. A device of the class described comprising ainember having a forami'nous surface for supporting sheets, a vacuum cham-` bei', a plurality of independent pockets providing communication between said `chain-- ber and the orifices in independentareas of exhaust means communicating withv said saidsurface, a valve controlli-ng communication. between saifdl chamber and yany one1 of said pickets, andmeans for' applying arr underpressure toy said one pocket, said member being movable in one direction for feeding the sheets edgewise, said valve being! movabler with' said.' member in saidone diractron and 1n the opposite direction relase i tive to saidfmember for controlling com i one pocket;

191A dev-ice ofthe class described' comprising a member having `a foraminous suit face for supporting sheets, a vacuum cham-- ber communicating with the orifices of said surface, Valve means controlling said com-y munication and arranged to break the vacu1- um at a'certan areafof said supporti-ng surface independentlyof other areas, meansv for' applying air under pressure to said certain municationbetween: the airsupply and said leo-y area, and an element on said vvalve means n arranged to' controloomlnunication between said certain :areaandthe air supply, said memberbeing movable in one direction to `feedthe sheets edgewise, said valve means being movable with `said member in said `onedirection and movablein the opposite direction forvcontrolling communication between said certain area and the air supply.

20. A ,device of the class described cOinprising amember having a foraminous surface for supporting sheets, a vacuum cliamwith the orices of said.

ber communicatin surface, apair of conduits located in said chamber and arranged one within the'other, theinnerr of said conduits providingconn niunicationjbetween said chamber and ex-` haustmeans, and a valve controlling com- `municationbetween said inner conduit and i a certain part of said chamber, the outer movable y substantially perpendicularly to 'conduit being adapted to supply .air-under pressure to said ceitainpart,nsaid member,`

um ata certain area of said `supporting sur` face independently of Vother areas, and a suctionelement outside of said chamber andy arranged to separate a unit ofthe sheet from said Acertain i area.

22. A device of the class describedcom-k prising a member having a foraminous sur face for supporting sheets, a vacuumchamber communicating with the orifices of said surface, valve means controlling said `communication and' arranged to break the vacu- `um at a certain area of said supporting sur-` face independently `of other t areas, and a suction element 'outside of said chamber and said foraminous surface for separatingV a unit of the sheet from said certain area.

23. A device ofthe class described coniprising a member having a foraminous surface for supporting sheets, a vacuum `cham- "ber communicating with the orificesof said surface, valve means controlling said communication and arranged to break thevacu um at a certain area of said supporting sur-` face independently ofother areas, a nozzle `arranged adjacent the outer face of said certain areafor separating a unit ofthe. sheet therefrom, a suction conduit communi, eating withsaid nozzle, and means for `re-` ciprocating said `nozzle and conduit.

l 24. Adevice of the class described comprising `a member having "a `foraininous `siii'- y sheet from sa-idicertain area. i

j face for `supporting i sheets, a vacuum` chamf `bei' communicating with `thev orificesl offsaid Surface, valve means controlling said coinx munication and arranged to breakthe vacu-hn" umat a certain area of said supporting suri face independently ofaother areas, an a`xi-w allyreciprocating suction conduit arranged f4 outsideof said chambersubstantially per-M` pendiculartosaid foraminous surface, `and i uw afnozzle` on the `inner end ofl said conduit for separatinga `unit of the sheet from said:` certain area.` Y u :pp

v25.`Awdevice of the class described com-- fpi'ising member "having a substantially horizontal foraminous surface for support@ `ing sheets, a vacuum chamber below `said i surface andcommunicating with the orifices of independent areas thereof, valvemeans controlling said communication` and, arranged to break thevacuum ata certain area independently7 of other areas, and a suction element located above said foraminous f sur` face and `arranged toseparate a unit of the if `26,.;Adevice of tlieiclassxdescribed; com?` prising a member `having a substantially horizontal foraminous surface forsupporting sheets, a vacuum chamber below said surface andcommunicating with the orifices of independentareas thereof, valve means controlling said `communication and arf'` ranged to breakthe vacuum at a certain area i independently of other areas, and a vertical` ly reciprocating suction element `located above said foraminous surface and arranged to `separate a unit of the sheet from-said i certain area.

27. A `device of the class described comprising awmember having a substantially horizontal foraminous surface for supporting i sheets, a vacuum chamber below said surface and communicating with the orices of independent areas thereof, valve means `controlling said communication: and arranged to f break the vacuum at a certain'area independlocated` above said" foraminous surface pand L arranged to separate .a unit ofthe sheet from said certain area,1saidme1nber being mov` able step-by-step to feed the sheets edgev wise for-,placing different units thereof successively into operative; relation with csaid,

`suction element.` i

; 1 ui ently Y of other areas, `and y a suction ,element` 1 i "28.1 A device of the class described "com-b prising i a reciprocating member `having a foramiuous surface for supporting. sheets, a vacuum chamber `communicating with `the orifices of independentareas ofsaid surfacef valve means controllingsaid `communication and arrangedtobreak the vacuum at a ce1l tain area independently of `other areas,'a suction element arranged in position to separate a unit of the sheetfrom sja-id certain area exhaust means forsaid suction element, an ,y means for closing communication between saidsuction element and exhaust means dur ing a certain movement of said member.

29. A device of the class described comprising a reciprocating member having a foraminous surface for supporting sheets, a vacuum chamber communicating With the orifices of independent areas of said surface, valve means controlling said communication and arranged to break the vacuum at a certain area independently of other areas, a suction element arranged in position to separate a unit of the sheet from said certain area, exhaust means for said suction element, said member being movable in one direction to feed the sheets edgeWise, and means for closing communication between said suction element and exhaust means during the movement of said member in the oppcsite direction.

30. The 'combina-tion With a support for' sheets, of a suction element comprising a nozzle adapted to separate a sheet from the sup port, a reciprocating member for moving a vacuum chamber communcating with theV orifices of said surface, means controlling said communication and arranged7 to break the vacuum ata certain area of said supporting surface independentlv of other areas, a suction conduit communicating With said vacuum chamber, a pressure conduit communicating With said certain area for supplying lair under pressure thereto, and valve .a vacuumchamber communicating With the orices of said surface, means controlling said communication and arranged to break the vacuum at a certain area of said supportingy surface independently of other areas, a

suction conduit communicating With saidvacuum chamber, a pressure conduit communicating With said certain area for supplying air under pressure'thereto, and valve means 'arrangedv to close said conduits during the return movement of said supporting member.`

33. A device of the class described comprising a member having ay foraminous surface for supporting sheets and movable in one direction for feeding the sheets edgeWise,l a vacuum chamber communicating With the oriiicesof said surface, meanscontrolling said communication and arranged to break the vacuum at a certain area of said supporting surface independently of other areas, a suction conduit communicating with said vacuum chamber7 a pressure conduit communicating With said certain area for supplying air under pressure thereto, a pair of valves adapted to close said conduits during the return movement of said supporting member, and a cam for simultaneously actuating both of said valves. y

Signed at Chicago this 420th day of September, 1926.

PAUL A. GOLLNICK.

JOHN J. TOOLAN.

'IISy 

